News

PA flu activity hasn't peaked yet

(Harrisburg) -- Flu is already widespread across the Commonwealth, and the state Health Department is cautioning the season hasn't peaked yet.

State Physician General Carrie DeLone says the agency has recorded thousands of confirmed cases, and 14 deaths, so far.

"We have many more cases than the 6,000 confirmed," she says. "Very few individuals actually have a laboratory diagnosis of influenza, most are treated empirically or do not see their physician because they are not seriously ill."

DeLone says 90 percent of the cases in PA have been the H1N1 strain, which is covered by the standard flu shot. She says there are no widespread vaccine shortages this year -- adding it's never too late to get a flu shot.

A recent analysis by Trust for America's Health finds the flu shot rate for people ages 18 to 64 is under 40 percent.